Drone laws that could put you in prison for five years come into force

Drone laws that will give you up to five years in prison for endangering an aircraft have come into force, as the government cracks down on the misuse of the technology.

The set of restrictions, which puts full legal responsibility on the drone user, bans individuals from flying a drone above 400ft and within 1km of an airport or airfield.

Drones must fly 50m away from people and properties under the new “Drone Code” that was brought into law on Monday. They must also be flown at least 150m away from crowds. Amatuer fliers will also have to register drones weighing more than 250g with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).